Modular Flood Barrier With Pivoting Waterbag Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular flood barriers have complex assembly and disassembly processes, which are time-consuming and inefficient, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A modular flood barrier system with a base, retention member, and flexible waterbag that can transition between a working position for stability and a stowed position for compact storage, featuring a simple slide and pivot motion for deployment, and components that fold into a box for easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modules are assembled with multiple components for stability and anchoring, then the barrier reliability is improved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into three main segments: base, retention member, and waterbag. The retention member can rotate between vertical (working) and horizontal (stowed) positions, allowing the module to be transported in a compact configuration and deployed quickly without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member is designed with rotational capability to transition between vertical and horizontal positions. This dynamic feature allows the same component to serve dual purposes: providing structural support in the working position and enabling compact storage in the stowed position, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If modules are designed for compact storage and transport, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and anchoring capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member's rotational capability allows it to transition between horizontal (for compact storage and easy transport) and vertical (for stability and anchoring in working position). This dynamic design ensures both ease of operation and structural stability are achieved at different operational stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterbag is designed to be automatically deployed when the retention member rotates to the vertical position. The waterbag's own weight and the gravitational force acting on it provide the necessary anchoring and stability, eliminating the need for additional external anchoring mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the assembly and disassembly process is simplified for emergency deployment, then the speed of deployment is improved, but the number of components may be reduced affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The module is segmented into base, retention member, and waterbag components that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The retention member's rotational mechanism allows for rapid deployment without requiring complex fastening or securing operations, thereby maintaining high deployment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational capability of the retention member enables rapid transition between stowed and working positions. This single rotational motion simultaneously achieves multiple functions: deploying the waterbag, positioning the retention member for structural support, and preparing the module for immediate operation, thus ensuring both speed and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A module adapted to form a protective barrier against liquid runoff or flooding, the module being movable between a working position and a stowed position, including a base adapted to anchor the module to the ground; a retention member mounted to the base to extend vertically relative to the base when the module is in the working position, and extend parallel to the base when the module is in the stowed position; a flexible waterbag fixed to the retention member, wherein the waterbag is supported by the base and adapted to receive liquid passing through an opening of the retention member when the module is in the working position, and the waterbag is contained in the box when the module is in the stowed position.